Many people curious about keeping chickens for eggs and meat want to know: can I raise chickens in my backyard? There is a lot of confusion about whether or not one can actually keep chickens on their suburban lot, since the ordinances vary from town to town in individual states.
However, you may be happy to discover that more often than not, it is perfectly legal to keep chickens, even if you live in a fairly conventional town.
Related Post: Urban Chicken Laws in Washington
This handy website has a directory organized by state that you can search for local chicken laws. Not all town listings are available, but this website is a good start to learn how feasible it is to keep chickens, and what the terms are. (If you learn the local chicken laws in your town and they are not listed here, you can submit them.) Some towns have limits for number of birds, and others do not allow roosters at all. Links are provided to municipal ordinances for reference and details.
I was happy to learn that many towns in New Jersey (where I grew up) do in fact allow chickens, for example. You wouldn’t guess it since so few people actually take advantage of that little known freedom, but there ya go! There is hope!
If you don’t have any luck determining what your local laws are regarding backyard chickens, give your local animal control office a call to find out.
Image credit: flickr via Steven-L-Johnson
I’m trying to find out what towns in NJ allow backyard chickens. My town, West Orange, doesn’t — well, it does, but you have to have two acres of land — and I’m going to try to get them to change the laws. So I want to tell them what towns allow poultry.
Can you help me out?
Thanks,
Ellen
Hi, Ellen–
Did you try the site linked in ziggy’s post? It has a number of New Jersey cities listed.
Hi, we live in Milford NJ (in the borough). We just got notice that We need to have our feather baby chickens removed within 2 weeks (my son is disabled and these are his therapy pets ). I sent the zoning officer (Sara Knies) the American disability act… still got rejected… I feel discriminated against knowing others in the borough have chickens. HELP please
Hi. Curious about how this all worked out for you. I am looking to move to Milford in the new year–did you find out the laws? The max # etc.?
I also tried the link and could not find my city. Is there any other way to find if your city allows chickens?
Hi i was wondering if whitelaw wisconsin will allow me to have chickens and what are the specifics. thank you!
If the information isn’t on the BackyardChickens.com page linked above, probably best to get in touch with the folks at city hall to find out.
Hi there!
Anyone know if WEST Long Branch allows a few backyard chickens? Can’t seem to find an answer. Would LOVE to have some for pets & eggs. 🐓